BOLLYWOOD TO RECREATE ITS MAGIC AT INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS AT LOS ANGELES

A star-studded six-day celebration of India's Independence Day in Los Angeles is expected to witness participation of Bollywood's leading stars like Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan as well as spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Christened 'India Splendor,' the event planned by MGLOBAL Trust will also feature a fashion show, exhibition of several Bollywood movies and an art workshop. It will culminate in a gala evening on August 15.

The event is being organised in association with UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television, International Creative Management and ArtWallah, a non-profit body promoting art.

Organisers say they expect Rishi Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu from Bollywood to participate, besides Aishwarya and Abhishek. Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also expected to give a discourse.

Former tennis star and film producer Ashok Amritraj is the goodwill ambassador for the event.

MCorp Global Chairman of Indian conglomerate Bhupendra Kumar Modi announced that his company has donated $1 million to the ArtWallah, which will be earmarked for art education at Los Angeles public schools. "Our vision has been to bring all the facets of Indian culture, including our booming film industry, to the US in jointly celebrating this momentous mark in history."

The event will also feature film makers like Mani Ratnam and Vidhu Vinod Chopra. There will be a special tribute to Indian film legend Raj Kapoor.

It is also expected to attract Hollywood community, including industry professionals, studio executives and talent agency heads. The opening night will feature screening of Shah Rukh Khan's film Chak De India. Other movies to be screened include Guru, Eklavya and Gandhi.

POKIRI BEGINS WITH A KATTY FIGHT BETWEEN JIAH KHAN AND KATRINA KAIF: WILL PRABHU DEVA BE ABLE TO TAKE HOLD OF THE REINS OF THE FILM?

Prabhu Deva is really going places. From an obscure dance director, to a respected choreographer, to an agile actor to an amazing director, he has travelled a long way. And has made his mark all along the way. And now he is going to direct the Hindi remake of Pokiri, the Mahesh Babu starrer that has redefined the box-office collections in Andhra Pradesh. It is no mean achievement considering the fact that he will be directing Salman Khan in the Hindi version. Of course, with Salman in the lead, he will have little to do, as most of the crucial decisions are taken by the Khan himself, though Boney Kapoor is producing the film. Like for example, Jiah Khan was almost finalised for the film, and even this was confirmed by the producer's office, when she let slip the golden opportunity with her silly remarks on Sallu's girlfriend Katrina Kaif. But, what exactly did she say? When asked how would it be if she were recommended to play opposite Salman Khan, the London-bred babe said, "That'll be really cool if it were to happen. But his girlfriend (referring to Katrina KAif) would be really pissed off. I don't know Salman at all." Now, that would put off even the mildest of actors, and Salman got wild and immediately the next day the marching orders came for Jiah Khan and in stepped the Super girl Ayesha Takia. While all this was going on, there's not a word from the Prabhu Deva, who is supposed to be wielding the megaphone. Prabhu, we only wish you get to complete the film with your sanity intact. All we can say is all the best.